PT to Inches Converter
Convert points (pt) to inches (in) instantly with our free online tool. Essential for designers, printers, and anyone working with typography and print measurements.
Conversion Result
Understanding PT to Inches Conversion
Points (pt) and inches (in) are both units of measurement commonly used in design and printing, but they serve different purposes and have a fixed relationship.
What is a Point (pt)?
A point is a unit of measurement commonly used in typography and print design. The modern definition (since the 1980s) is that 1 point equals exactly 1/72 of an international inch. This standardization makes conversion between points and inches straightforward.
What is an Inch (in)?
An inch is a unit of length in the imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. It is widely used in the United States, and to a lesser extent in other countries, for many everyday measurements.
How to Convert PT to Inches
The conversion from points to inches is based on the standardized definition that 72 points equal 1 inch:
Formula: inches = points ÷ 72
This means that to convert any point measurement to inches, you simply divide the point value by 72.
Common Conversion Values
| Points (pt) | Inches (in) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 6pt | 0.0833 in | Very small text |
| 8pt | 0.1111 in | Footnote text |
| 10pt | 0.1389 in | Small text |
| 12pt | 0.1667 in | Standard body text |
| 14pt | 0.1944 in | Subheadings |
| 18pt | 0.25 in | Headings |
| 24pt | 0.3333 in | Large headings |
| 36pt | 0.5 in | Display text |
| 72pt | 1 in | Very large display text |
| 144pt | 2 in | Poster text |
When to Use PT vs Inches
Use points (pt) when:
- Specifying font sizes in print design
- Working with typography measurements
- Creating documents in desktop publishing software
- Designing for print media where precise text sizing is important
Use inches (in) when:
- Measuring physical dimensions of printed materials
- Specifying page sizes or margins
- Working with physical objects or print layouts
- When measurements need to relate to real-world physical sizes
Historical Context
The point system has evolved over time. Before the digital era, different countries used slightly different point measurements:
- American point: 0.013837 inch (72.27 points per inch)
- Didot point (Europe): 0.0148 inch (67.57 points per inch)
- PostScript point (modern standard): Exactly 1/72 inch
Today, the PostScript point (1pt = 1/72in) is the most widely used standard, especially in digital design and printing.